Review-Ecstasy March 19th-24th

[missouri01]

We booked a spring break cruise for the kids about 6 weeks prior. Those travelling: DH, myself and teenagers DS & DD. Found a great deal for PT rooms E8 and E10 for $350pp. I was pleased with the price until another special happened 5 days later.:( I checked about upgrading but couldn't find two rooms close that appealed to me....oh well!

 

We live in SW Missouri and drove to Galveston after school around 4pm. Daughter was driver #1 getting us almost through Oklahoma. Next was my shift getting us deep into Texas and husband pulled the late shift. After he assured my we would make it to Houston, I tried to book a hotel on priceline from my phone. The location info wasn't pulling up very well so I call their customer service who gladly assisted the booking of a 3 star hotel off of the Interstate near Hobby Airport for $69 with taxes and fees. I did this around midnight for same day check-in. It ended up being the Holiday Inn. We arrived around 2am. The hotel was clean and comfortable...served our needs. As a Priority Club member we were issued two breakfast buffet coupons. Their restaurant was good...the kids eating off of the buffet and we ordering off of the menu. About 930am we were on the road, making a quick stop at a nearby Wal-mart for last minute purchases. (Someone always forgets something!)

 

Traffic was heavy and backed up into Galveston...but we later saw several accidents had contributed to the congestion. Saw some lingering fog as we arrived on the Island but after reading about all the issued, assumed it would burn off as the sun was shining. I pre-purchased parking at Galveston Park N Cruise online for $30 for their gated parking. As we arrived at the terminal, our navigation directed us through a small alley where someone was waiting to check our name off of a list and directed us into a small gated lot directly across from the terminal. We gathered our belonging and easily crossed the street amazed at the close location. We then discovered that luggage drop off was at the other end of the terminal...so off we went to drop bags off and into the the check-in line.

 

Before I continue....Can anyone give me tips to insert photos? Do they have to be published online first because it asks for the url?

 

Thanks!

[missouri01]

This is my first attempt to write a review so any pointers or feedback would be greatly appreciated! :)

I already noticed the font was too small. :( Sorry!

[Meyer2]

Great start to your review!!! Can't wait for the rest. :)

 

For pictures, I uploaded mine to Photobucket & then inserted the link in my post by clicking on the little 'mountain' icon. You can do I think 6 per post.

[prattmom]

Can't wait to read more! We sail on the Ecstasy in June!

[firstcruiseoct11]

Looking forward to the rest of your review. We sail on the Ecstasy in October.

[missouri01]

Thanks! We loved the Ecstasy! I'm working on pictures...when I did it I got the dreaded red X....no change when I clicked on show picture. I'll get it figured out!

[tickles]

can't wait to hear the rest of your review. We will be on the Ecstasy on April 11th and am so ready to go.

[Meyer2]

Thanks! We loved the Ecstasy! I'm working on pictures...when I did it I got the dreaded red X....no change when I clicked on show picture. I'll get it figured out!

 

Are you using Photobucket? Or another photo hosting website?

[missouri01]

:DI'll come back and add pictures later since I'm ready to write! ;)

This was our first time at the Galveston port. It seemed pretty organized. Security carefully inspected my bottles of Diet Coke to make sure the seal was intact and shook several water bottles. What I found interesting was the carry-on with the wine was ignored! (Once in our room unpacking DH informed me the cool new wine I purchased called Skinny Girl margarita wasn't a wine at all...but was made with tequila! Oops! I wasn't intending to smuggle anything on board. It was at the grocery store in the wine section. And...if it makes any difference...it tasted horrible by itself...it needed sugar, some things aren't meant to be lo-cal! The onboard lemonade did make it quite yummy though!)

Ok, I got off subject....there was quite a long line as since we tend to cruise on multiple lines, we aren't Platinum yet. It took about 30-45 minutes...seemed longer because the teenagers started to bicker a bit in line....(remember we booked two rooms for a reason:D.) As we approached the front of the line, the lady directing everyone asked how many in the cabin and pointed to a number at the counter. I think she could have been misleading newbies. I explained two cabins on one card. Cards were already made and away we went. (If I remember correctly, in Miami we had to wait for our cards after a kiosk check-in.) We posed for our photo and quickly boarded. The atrium was...very 80's, but in a cool way. Since rooms were still off-limits, we went straight to the Lido for lunch. The deck pool area and in the dining areas tables were full...but as I learned here, the aft "wings and straight aft sections were still pretty open. Lunch was great....we were on vacation! And the kids were getting along!

Now it was time to go to our rooms. We took our carry-ons to the other end of the ship. Others had commented on here they didn't like to be forward since most things were on the aft, but since it was a smaller ship, we were fine. With the twin port holes, the rooms were bright and open. My daughter and I quickly rearranged their beds so instead of being side by side, one was turned against the opposite wall (learned that on here!)....it seemed almost double in size! DD was pouting about leaving her bathing suit in her checked luggage (her goal of the trip was to sunbath as much as possible.)

Well...would you believe a few minutes later her and my luggage arrived...no one elses was in the hall yet! The boys were exploring the ship, she changed and I started to unpack. My suitcase emitted a tropical odor.....wouldn't you know it, the cap came off the spray sunblock and had emptied itself onto as many clothes as possible! Grr!:mad: I'm a seasoned traveller and had plenty of gallon sized baggies along but had noticed as we unloaded the vehicle that the wine wasn't in the carry-on...causing a quick last minute switch...that I paid for! Little did I know the extent of the damage that day...for the rest of the cruise I discovered greasy spots on various articles of clothing. Once I unpacked, DH's bag arrived. The laundry was two doors down the hall, so I quickly pressed our clothes that needed it. At this time, our room steward came by to introduce himself, did his spiel about his services, found out our dining time and memorized our names for the rest of the cruise...we loved him...kept the soft-sided cooler iced down, perfect service!

Speaking of dining, we were waitlisted for anytime...confirmed for late....ended up with late. I don't like early dining but the kids hate late dining because it conflicts with their club activities. Our family rule is breakfast and dinner together on sea days and excursion together when in port. Other than that we only require sporadic check-in. (Other rules...no one in their cabin, they can't enter other cabins must be in club activities or public areas.) We didn't go to sleep until we knew they were in their room for the night.

Ok...the rooms. They were high up enough to not have wave sounds and the thruster sound when we docked was audible but not irritating...no vibrations. The air control on the ceiling in the middle of the room was new to us! Yes the forward location did cause some ship movement but not enought to bother us...it rocked us to sleep. (Ok....DD and I wear a patch but the boys weren't bugged at all!) The only complaint I had about the room was the location near the crew's relaxation deck on Empress forward....our hall was the path of choice for all crew....at all hours of the day! Sometimes they were quite noisey. To solve that problem I rolled a towel and put under the door. It didn't help with the "thumping" or vibration noise but did muffle voices. I really didn't hear any sound from the theater but occasionally there was a strong cigarette smell in our air vents....not sure where that came from.

Ok...enough for tonight! Will continue tomorrow!

[mebecindi]

I can't wait to read more......Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[*Mach*]

Great start!! I love the Ecstasy and it breaks my heart that we're losing her.

Regarding the pictures, the frame size for the posts makes resizing your photos necessary. You can chose any photo editing package to do this. I use Microsoft Office Picture Manager to resize to about 900 pixels wide.

You'll need an online site to host your images. I use Photobucket... works fine for me. Upload your pictures into whatever folder you please. Once they're uploaded you'll see thumbnails of your pictures. Below the thumbnail will be code for posting your photos at various types of site. For Cruise Critic you'll need the 'IMG Code.' Simply highlight and copy that code...

 

Now, you can return to your post and all that needs be done is to paste the IMG code into the location where you want the image to appear...

 

It's as simple as that!

I'm looking forward to reading more of your review.

:)

[spideyfam]

This is my first attempt to write a review so any pointers or feedback would be greatly appreciated! :)

 

I already noticed the font was too small. :( Sorry!

 

Thanks for the review. No worries. The review is great so far.

[ticka1]

I'm jumping in and letting you know this is a great review. I'm sailing Ecstasy in 35 days so I'm reading ALL reviews about this ship! I can't wait till you post more. Hope you get the pictures to work soon.

[LBumb]

great start, ready for more

[Meyer2]

More wonderful review!!!! Oh my on the sunblock, no fun.

 

Great start!! I love the Ecstasy and it breaks my heart that we're losing her.

Regarding the pictures, the frame size for the posts makes resizing your photos necessary. You can chose any photo editing package to do this. I use Microsoft Office Picture Manager to resize to about 900 pixels wide.

You'll need an online site to host your images. I use Photobucket... works fine for me. Upload your pictures into whatever folder you please. Once they're uploaded you'll see thumbnails of your pictures. Below the thumbnail will be code for posting your photos at various types of site. For Cruise Critic you'll need the 'IMG Code.' Simply highlight and copy that code...

 

Now, you can return to your post and all that needs be done is to paste the IMG code into the location where you want the image to appear...

 

It's as simple as that!

I'm looking forward to reading more of your review.

:)

 

Yes, Host Mach to the rescue. :) I couldn't remember what exactly it was for posting the pics from PB as I haven't posted any in awhile.

[mom22tinks]

Great review so far! Can't wait to see pics. We sail on her on April 16. I had the same problem with the sunscreen, but luckily it happened on the way home instead of at the beginning of the trip. I just tried the Skinny Girl Margherita over the weekend,,, It was a bit tart even though I added splenda to it. Guess I'll stick with my Mojitos! Can't wait to read more. :)

[parentsof5]

Great start, Missouri! So glad we got to experience a great trip on the same ship and spend some time with your family in Uman and Uxmal!

[missouri01]

Thanks for all the kind words and support! It is very appreciated and encouraging as I learn this! Thanks, Mach! I hope one day to join a Crazies Cruise.:) Ok...First try at a photo!

This was a picture of the parking lot across from the street from the terminal. (Zoomed in from the Lido desk...sorry it's a bit fuzzy.) After the lot is full, they close and lock the gate. They were there to welcome us back on US soil....leaving was a breeze!

[missouri01]

@Parentsof5, thank you! We enjoyed the trip and meeting your family. Loved your review! Your photography skills are amazing....If I'd known that ahead of time, I would have asked for more photos of my family from you!:D

[missouri01]

Ok.....dinner. As I said, we didn't get ATD as hoped and settled for Late (8:15). Since we were in the front of the ship, we were assigned the midship restaurant, Wind Star. We had table #220....a table for 4 right in the middle elevated section. Had alot of traffic around us, sorta felt in the way sometimes but quite tolerable.

Before I describe the dining experience, I'll give up a bit of background so you understand my frame of reference. First...keep in mind, everyone has an opinion.....and a different point of view, I know. Since you are reading this, you are "tolerating" mine. We choose cruiselines based on our overall experience expectation. For Alaskan, we like Celebrity. For our Med cruise (without kids...invited in-laws) we chose Oceania. For Caribbean with kids, we like Carnival. We have never sailed Disney but we love the kids' experiences with Carnival's kids programs. Unlike a land vacation, each can "do their own thing" without feeling the need to entertain each other....the kids have never cried "I'm bored" on Carnival!

With that background....we love Carnival's food....better than RCI, very similar in quality to Celebrity and better than Oceania (I know they are proud of the French chef designed menu...but I call 'em like I see 'em). Have I been disappointed with a food choice? Yes....but I'm talking overall experience. (My all-time favorite cruise dining venue though is Celebrity Infinity's steakhouse.)

Our first night dining service just wasn't up to usual standards. I'm not talking slow specifically....not filling drinks properly, silverware not placed, removed properly. Unaware of empty plates...just not as well trained as other experiences. It greatly improved after the first night....we attributed it to the departure delay...maybe they were distracted?

Overall....They were very agreeable to special requests....asking if we want extras....appeared very concerned if we didn't eat enough to their satisfaction...and tried to get alternate entrees, etc. We love chocolate melting cake!!! But I do like to occasionally deviate. (Bitter and Blanc! Yum!) We liked our head waiter but really bonded with his assistanct, Alvin. (Who turned out to be quite the singer!)

[missouri01]

As I enjoy to visit the ship's casino and play slots, I took the advice of another thread and called the Player's Club before the cruise. After looking up my gambling record, :o I was told I was eligible for the Premium VIP welcome package....wow! I'm not a big gambler but was excited about the freebies! Once in our room, I was disappointed to find only a slip of paper stating I would receive a photo coupon in the MDR during dinner. Maybe they made a mistake and realized I didn't spend enough?

Right before dinner there was a knock on the door and guess what? a lovely fruit, cheese, cracker and wine basket arrived...courtesy of the casino! Woo hoo! We had to pay $10 corkage fee in the dining room but that stored the left-over and had it ready to go the next night.

On day 3, a large bottle of water arrived from the casino also. The casino host also bought DH and I a round of drinks while playing. I have to admit....I think the gifts jinxed me. Normally, I break even but this trip lost a few hundred. :( And, we didn't eat over half of the fruit...

[tickles]

I am loving your review and waiting to hear more.

[Cruisin Christi]

More please....

[missouri01]

As we waited in port, occasional announcements were made overheard concerning the delay….mostly from the Captain (whose accent was so thick, you have to strain to understand….I think all Italian captains take the same mandatory English class! :D Steve only made a few announcements. Well, it took several days for me to realize that seemed to be his style. He only spoke overhead when necessary. Overall, this was the quietest ship (overheard announcement-wise only that I had been on…I liked it!

 

We didn’t go to the first night’s show. We did visit Neon, the piano bar…and loved it! Our Philippine entertainer…was truly that! He played all the popular piano bar songs. That night I ordered my first of many Chocolate martinis. I was hooked! We did attend the next night’s show. It was the Texas themed show (in case you haven’t been on the Esctasy, a large percentage of the passengers are Texans…big belt buckles and cowboy hats were the norm. Texans are friendly as well as very proud of their state…so this show was very well received!) We attended though to experience Steve’s fiddle…and were not disappointed. DH thought the show was probably pretty unchanged since the ship’s Inaugural cruise (interpret: dated) but we enjoyed it. We also attended the Marriage show later in cruise….I know…but we are always entertained by what people will say…I laughed until I cried!

 

Steve was also a great host for the past guest party. We were able to get drinks ok. Had two during the presentation…we too love cheering for “our ships.” Funny, but food was harder to get than drinks in there!

Steve was laid back, though not as “visible” as other directors we have experienced…but we certainly enjoyed the change. So with limited personal contact…he seemed to be a warm, friendly down-to-earth guy that truly enjoyed what he was doing.

[mar1972]

Thanks for the review. My mom and I are sailing on the 11th and I am trying to learn all I can about the ship :D